BanglaCricket Article

Iftekhar Khan shares some gem of wisdom for Bangladesh squad before the team ventures off to hunt against India in Micromax Asia Cup 2012.

A message from a fan to all our players

by Iftekhar Khan

Published: 15th March, 2012

I have heard stories of captains/coaches sending under the door letters to the squad in their hotel rooms the night before a big game. As a fan I always wondered what I would write to our beloved team if such an opportunity presented itself. Keeping in mind our performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2012 and the crunch game against the World Champions India to follow, I am pretty sure my messages would read something like this:

Tamim has already proved his point and it's time to put everything behind him.

Tamim - You got your fifty, answered your critics, paid respect to your Uncle and overall felt really good about yourself in the last game. Now, since all of that is behind us, it's time for you to start thinking about the team and set up a win for us. Go get us a big score and win a game for your country.

Nazimuddin - I must admit that I like your batting. There is a quiet aggression in your game. You don't bat like a fish out of water Ã la khocha Nafees neither you bat as if itâ€™s a Test match i.e like Kayes. You look comfortable against both spin and pace and you possess a fearsome hook shot so rare amongst sub continental batsman. I think you are a good find for us. Carry on!

Jahurul - You give the term unpredictable a new meaning. Your innings seems to be full of one good shot followed by an ugly slog. Only you know what prompts you to commit suicide from time to time again after you are reasonably set in your 30s. As a number 3 you need to look for singles more and boundaries less. Just value your wicket and I believe you have the power and the technique to succeed.

Mushfiq - Everyone knows you are a busy cricketer who likes to get on with things early in the innings. Please hold yourself back from playing cross-batted shots too early and play in the â€œVâ€. If you survive and manage to get stick in, then we will have a cool headed finisher to partner Shakib when the crunch time comes. Itâ€™s time for another century from you!

Mahmudullah - You perplex me a little bit. You have a good average so you certainly know how to bat, but I simply havenâ€™t seen enough from you to convince me. Reducing margin of defeat will not save our cricket too much longer. Show us what you can do in a competitive game.

Shakib - Don't be frustrated. We all know you are not getting the support you should, but if you give up then we have no chance. We know India will target you early and try to unsettle you. Be the champion we know you to be and that will be enough for the day.

Nasir - You are a fearless cricketer similar to Shakib. You seem to be unfazed by reputation or match situation. You have all the big shots required off of a number 7. You are the perfect partner for Shakib and can really take the pressure off him by scoring freely. Repeat the innings you played last game and there won't be any Gul or Ajmal to stop you this time.

Nazmul may be the star to scalp Tendulkar

Mashrafe- Imagine the match you are playing is a news paper interview and get all that wisdom out into the match situation. There is no point realizing what needs to be done when the match is already over. Be the Mash of 2007 and we got this game.

Razzak - You copped a lot of criticism and I am not sure if you will hold your place. Against India I would still play you because of your experience in bowling during the Power Plays. If you put an economical spell, it would help our chances immensely. I do hope we won't have to see you bat though.

Shahadat - Don't know what to expect from you, man. Whether you will go for 100 runs or pick up handful of wickets or, actually do both, really depends on that turbulent mind of yours. I wish you all the best anyways.
p.s. Donâ€™t forget to aim for Raina's head with deep square leg in place.

Nazmul - I have a feeling you will get the little master Tendulkar. I hope the foster parents (Team Management) will play you in the 11.

Good Luck Tigers!

Iftekhar Khan

About the author(s): Iftekhar Khan is an avid follower/borderline fanatic of Bangladesh Cricket who goes by the alias Jadukor in BanglaCricket. He currently resides and works in Thailand.